July 1985
On July 2nd a Tuesday Evening, Miss Nancy Legg
held a Garden evening at her home ‘Hawthorn End’
Lovers Lane and raised 326.37p for Ludham Society
funds.
On Wednesday July 3rd twenty-one members of the
Ludham Wives Group went by coach to Gorleston
Pavilion to enjoy the Old Time Music Hall.
July started off sunny and bright, after the first
week with violent thunderstorms arrived. Ludham
escaped the worst of the damage which spoiled
crops in the North Walsham area.
There was a good attendance at the annual open-air
service which was held at Womack Staithe on Sunday
afternoon July 14th and was conducted by the Rev G
Nicholson vicar of St Catherine’s Church. He led
the introductory prayers. The lesson was read by
Mr A Sheldrake. A duet was given by Paul and Linda
Monsey. Prayers for others were said by the Rev F
Bond, a retired Methodist Minister. The address
was given by the Rev Geoffrey Gruebecker
Archdeacon of Lynn. The closing prayer was given
by Mr Nicholson. The service sheets were
distributed by Mr R Fulcher and Mr H Leggett who
also took the collection. The music was played by
Stalham Youth Band conducted by Mr G Thirst and
played the hymns and selections.
The Garden Fete on July 13th was held in the
grounds of Ludham Vicarage, when the vicar the Rev
G Nicholson welcomed the Rural Dean the Rev D G
Blyth who then opened the event. Some £271 was
raised for St Catherine’s Church heating fund.
July was a cool unsettled month. It has been
a wet summer with few really hot and sunny days
and fruit farmers advertised in vain for pickers
for their spoiling fruit. We were more fortunate
to be able to enjoy fine days for both church and
village fete.
We recently lost a well-known parishioner. Mr
Berry who had been a carrier and carter in the
village since 1929 and Mr Ristrum (?) had formerly
lived here since boyhood.
A holiday club was run the first week of the
children’s break from Council schools. It was
organised by St Catherine’s Sunday School to which
30 children attended. The theme for the week was
‘Hands – for working, for playing, for helping and
for God’. The activities included singing games,
puppet making, painting, acting and film strip.
There was also a picnic lunch and sports afternoon
in the vicarage garden. Rev and Mrs Nicholson and
Mrs Cordiner were helped by Mrs Willoughby and by
Sunday school members Nicola Hubbard, Clair
Lincoln and Jill Tennant. It was a happy and
enjoyable week. Sunday school re starts on
September 8th and runs every week at 11am.
WI. In warm sunshine 44 members and visitors
enjoyed the garden meeting on July 17th, Mrs K
Sloper having opened her garden and was thanked by
the president Mrs J Mitchell. Tea was supplied and
served by Committee members and included
strawberries and ice cream. The competition for
the prettiest plate was judged by Mr C England,
the prize winners were Mrs N Littleworth, Mrs D
Morris and Mrs P Coles. The competition prize
given by B Hall was won by Mrs P Coles. Birthday
posies prepared by Mrs D Morris were presented by
Mrs J Mitchell. The trading stall made £12.50p.
Members of the Forget-Me-Not Club accompanied by
helpers and friends went by coach for an outing on
Tuesday, stopping at the Red Roof Farm where they
had lunch before going to Lowestoft for the
afternoon.
The outdoor activities of the village figured
prominently in the business of the July meeting of
the Ludham Parish Council. For the attractive
Children’s Corner on the Catfield Road, new goal
posts have been ordered and new safety seats are
to be fitted on the small swings. Further playing
equipment is being considered. In correspondence
the poor state of the sports changing
accommodation at the village hall was raised and
there was a suggestion that the Football Club hut
should be re conditioned and made available for
sharing with the Bowls Club. The idea was favoured
by the Council and referred to the Football Club
and the village hall committee for urgent
consideration. There was a further tentative
suggestion that a hard tennis court would be a
welcome addition to the amenities of the village
hall. This was well received and enquiries will be
made about costs and possible grants and other
funding. In the public part of the meeting there
was a suggestion from a group of local women that
a children’s fete be organised at the end of the
school holiday, probably the last Saturday in
August. This was welcome and permission given to
use the Children’s Playing Corner for the purpose.
In thanking the Council for help with insurance
and publicity, the secretary of the Ludham Village
Fete announced that the gross proceeds were £647
of which £425 was handed to the local Accident
Emergency Service. There was considerable
discussion on the decision of the banks to make a
charge for the return of cancelled cheques. In
most fields the return of cheques ceased long ago
but the Department of the Environment still
insists that Local Councils should produce such
cheques for the auditors. The Council felt this
was a waste of money and will ask a member of
parliament for North Norfolk to raise the matter
with the department of the Environment. A
suggestion will be also made to the bank that the
return of cancelled cheques should be entirely
abolished forth with.
August 1985
On August 4th we lost a well-known parishioner. Mr
R O Brooks a local man, son of H D Brooks deceased
who built Ludham Grange. Mr R Brooks,
formerly at his first marriage lived at the Manor
and during the war was the instigator of the local
fire service. He started a family in a disused
blacksmith and later purchased a meadow, built a
foundry and a home and married for the second
time.
A stall on Bakers Arms Green raised £36.85p for
the Ludham Society.
A jumble sale in the Church Room raised £183 50p
for the Women’s Section of the Royal British
Legion. It was organised by the members.
Competition winners Mrs Carter, Mrs Spooner, Mrs
Harris and Mrs Stapleton.
Ludham Parish Council is planning a petition in a
last effort to persuade the Authorities to impose
a speed limit through the village. At its August
meeting the Parish Council recalled that its
efforts over many years has still failed to result
in a speed restriction. After much discussion it
was agreed to make a further bid, including the
organisation of the petition. If this should fail
the Council would again consider the erection of
‘Please Drive Slowly throughout the village’ sign
though these would be expensive and it was felt
less effective than an enforceable speed limit.
The Council heard that plans for the hard tennis
courts on village hall field were afoot. There
were also plans for the repair and refurbishment
of the games pavilion; this would then be
available for the use of all village sports
organisations.
Replacement of fencing at the Children’s Playing
Corner would be undertaken through the district
council’s community service scheme.
The Parish Council is continuing to press for the
improved drainage of the footway leading from
Latchmore Estate into the High Street and for the
extension of the footpaths at Johnson Street.
The Council is also arranging for the bus shelter
at Bakers Arms Green to be repaired and repainted.
Thanks, were expressed to Mr J H Sayer for his
voluntary care of the village sign since its
erection some years ago. Mr Sayer understandingly
felt that another volunteer should now be found to
undertake the task.
A Christening Service was held on Thursday
at St Catherine’s Church of Henry Edward Paul,
infant son of Mr and Mrs Robert Paul of Mill
House, How Hill. It was conducted by Canon F E C
Stapleton, Canon of Rochester, a friend of the
family. The service was followed by a short
communion service. The organist was Mr J Hortley.
The family service held at St Catherine’s Church
on Sunday morning 25th August was led by the young
people’s sailing camp at How Hill, run by the
Church Missionary Society. The campers gave
readings and sang three songs with members of the
congregation joining in the choruses. The service
was conducted by the Rev B Parson and the organist
was Mr J Savage. The collection was for the
Church Missionary Society.
The first meeting after the summer break of the
Ludham Wives Group was held on Thursday in the
Methodist schoolroom with Mrs d Crowden presiding.
A talk was given by Mr Dean of Haskell Jeweller,
on the history of diamonds, with slides and
members were shown and allowed to try on some
expensive rings. A cheque was given to Mr Dean for
the Big C Appeal.
September 1985
A bingo drive was held in the Church Room on
Tuesday September 10th. Organised by Mrs Daisy
Bloomfield who presented the money raised - £140
to the RSPCA dogs’ home at Drayton Road. The
chairman and his wife attended, also the
veterinary surgeon who has taken over the home.
Members of the Mothers Union attended the deanery
festival on Thursday at Hampstead Church,
conducted by the Rev N Martin, vicar of
Happisburgh. The address was given by Deaconess
Pat Atkinson one of the chaplains at Norfolk and
Norwich Hospital. Refreshments were at Lessingham
Village Hall and provided by Mothers Union
members.
The Ludham Forget-Me-Not Club held its annual
Flower and Handicraft Show in the Church Room on
Saturday 31st August. The entries in all sections
were of a high standard. Trophy winners were:
Overall winner, The George Densham Tray- Mrs G
Roll, Runner up Rose Bowl - Mrs D Clarke. Cookery,
The Joyce Trivett Cup - Mrs S Le Polderin,
Handicraft Silver Bell - Mrs W Forster, Vegetables
the Jack Fuller Cup - Mrs G Roll, Flowers the
Clifford Alexander Cup - Mrs D Clarke. Mrs V
Parsons presented the trophies. Sale of entries,
competitions and gifts made £90 for club funds.
There was a good attendance at St Catherine’s
Church on Sunday September 15th for the monthly
Family Service conducted by the Rev G Nicholson.
Mr J Savage was organist. Children of the Sunday
School with their leaders gave readings, musical
items and a sketch. Sidesman duties were carried
out by Mr C England.
The monthly branch meeting of the Women’s section
of the Royal British Legion was held on Wednesday
in the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs C Day
presiding. Following the exhortation, silence was
observed for the late Mrs M Billington. The Rev G
Nicholson was the speaker and a vote of thanks was
given by Mrs V Wright. Tea hostesses were Mrs S
O’Gorman and Mrs M Turner The trading stall
realised £18. 27p for branch funds. Four members
attended the group meeting of AGM held at Repps
Village Hall. Mrs E Carter was delegate. Mrs M
Turner on behalf of the Women’s Section organised
a boat trip from Horning on the ‘Spirit of
Broadland’, when members enjoyed a two-hour cruise
with refreshments. Mrs C Day gave a vote of thanks
to Mrs Turner.
A jumble sale held in the Church Room raised
£89 for the Brownies and Guides funds. It was
organised by the committee who thanked all who
helped and supported the sale. Competition winners
were M Chapman, M Cook, Mr P Sheldrake, I Clarke,
B Murray, C Fidman and W Baker.
A Wayside Stall was held on Bakers Arms
Green on Wednesday 18th September and raised £100
for St Catherine’s Church heating fund. It was
organised by Mrs S Hall, church warden with
members of St Catherine’s Church and Ladies
Handicraft Guild as helpers. Coffee was provided
by Mrs P Lambert.
The AGM was held in the Methodist Schoolroom of
the Toddler Group with Mrs J Crawshaw presiding.
The committee elected were: Chairman Mrs T Drake,
Secretary Mrs D Hill, Treasurer Mrs J Hutchinson.
Members, helpers and friends of the Forget-Me-Not
Club went on an outing on Tuesday by coach going
to Sheringham where they stayed for a little while
before going on to Kelling for tea.
The first WI meeting after the summer break
brought 31 members and two visitors to the Church
Room on Wednesday 18th September. Names were taken
of those willing to serve on the committee and
members then voted for the 1986 committee. Mrs O
Mason gave an amusing reading, birthday flowers
for August and September were given to Mrs J
Mitchell president and Mrs Chiddick.
There was a long and serious debate at the
September meeting of the Ludham Parish Council
about the problems of financing the village hall.
The matter arose from the problem and protest of
the Ludham Football Club at the increased rental
of £175 per year which has been fixed by the
village hall committee. A request was made that
the Parish Council should subsidise this rent.
There was considerable sympathy for the point of
view of the Football Club in that the new rent
compared unfavourably with those charged in
surrounding villages. Nevertheless, it was pointed
out that the proposed figure barely covers the
cost of the maintenance of the pitch and makes no
allowance for other facilities. It became clear
that there were real difficulties in financing the
everyday running of the hall which is now in good
structure and decorative condition. The hall
cannot be maintained without fund raising efforts
and there is a distinct lack of willingness in the
village to organise and support such
efforts. The public were warned that without
such efforts the village hall could be lost. The
possibility of subsidising the hall by an increase
in the village rates was mentioned although this
presented some problems. A meeting will be
arranged between council members and the village
hall committee to discuss the whole problem.
It was reported that the proposal for public
toilets at Ludham Bridge was now at the head of
the list of District Council development schemes
and building could proceed as soon as a suitable
site is acquired. The news was heartily welcomed
by the council. Unfortunately, the District
Council had received some unofficial opposition to
the scheme and suggestions the toilets were not
necessary. This was strongly denied by council
members who had been urging this scheme for some
years. The District Council will be informed that
the parish council considers that in the interests
of both hygiene and amenity the building of these
toilets is a matter of great urgency.
It was hoped that the erection of new fencing
around the Playing corner by the Community
programme of the Manpower Services Commission will
be carried out within the next few weeks.
North Norfolk District Council has expressed
concern about the appearance of some liquid
petroleum gas tanks on domestic and other
premises. In future more severe planning
conditions for siting and screening will be
imposed.
There was a complaint that in the course of agreed
removal of old wood from trees on the small
building site in Yarmouth Road, Drycon, the
developers had caused serious damage to the trees
by extensive lopping and hacking to make room for
buildings. The politest comment was ‘they are a
mess’. The matter will be referred to the District
Forestry officer in the hope that something can be
done to minimise the damage.
Mrs Yvonne Boldy was re nominated as Parish
Council Governor of Ludham First School for a
further period.
The Council was informed that Senior Citizen rail
cards, subsidised by the District Council now cost
£9 as against the previous £6.50p.
In the public amenity committee, it was pointed
out that the waiting list for parish moorings was
increasing rapidly and there was little obvious
hope of reducing it. It was agreed that some
effort would have to be made soon to obtain
additional moorings.
Members and helpers of the Forget-Me-Not Club
attended a rally of the over 60 clubs which was
held at St Nicholas Church North Walsham. It
included tea at the Community Centre. The
Forget-Me-Nots fortnightly meeting was held on
Thursday in the Church Room with Mrs Alexander
presiding. After games tea was served by the
helpers.
A jumble sale was held in the Church Room on
Saturday 25th September and raised £94. 02p for
the Ludham Playgroup funds. It was organised by
the committee mothers who thanked all those who
helped and supported the sale. Competition winners
were; Guess the weight of the cake – Spencer
Willoughby. Number of sweets in the jar – Mrs E
Hankin. Treasure Hunt – Mrs W Forster. Name the
teddy – Mrs C Willoughby, Mrs J Williams, Mrs D
Crowden, Mrs M Nicholls, Mrs P Bensley, Mrs P
Savage, Mrs J Hutchinson and Mrs B Clining.
Retired school teacher Mrs Marjorie Bird died in
hospital after fracturing her leg whilst on
holiday a Norwich inquest was told. Mrs Bird of 33
Broad Reaches Ludham died in the West Norwich
hospital from Thrombosis due to fractured thigh
the inquest heard from post mortem report. Mrs
Bird’s husband Arthur told the inquest how his
75-year-old wife fell on a pavement in Torquay.
She was taken to the local hospital, later
transferred to North Walsham Cottage Hospital and
eventually taken to West Norwich Hospital where
her condition deteriorated. Coroner Mr James
Hipwell recorded a verdict of misadventure. After
the inquest Mr Bird said his wife had been very
active until the fall and was well known in the
village. She has been a school teacher at Filby
School for more than twenty years.
The result of the house to house collection for
the National Children’s Home £148.58p was raised
and it is an increase of over £37 on last year.
The Ludham Wives Group met on Thursday in the
Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs D Crowden presiding.
A talk and a demonstration were given by Mrs E
Gomme? on Corn Dollies. Members then
participated in the demonstration.
Cuttings and Inclusions June to Sept 85
October 1985
On October 5th a jumble sale was held in the
Church Room and raised £136.50p for the
Forget-Me-Not Club. It was organised by helpers of
the club.
Sixty people enjoyed a happy time of fellowship at
the Harvest Supper at the High Street Methodist
Church schoolroom. After the meal entertainment
was given by Double Cleff a quartet from Norwich
who gave a delightful programme of unaccompanied
singing.
At High Street Methodist Church, a Harvest Family
Gift Service was held conducted by the Rev Stephen
Yelland. The evening service was held by Mrs S
Hodgkins The Harvest gifts were distributed in the
village.
Harvest Festival Services were held at St
Catherine’s Church during the weekend of October
6th and were very well attended. They were
conducted by the Rev G Nicholson and Mr J Savage
was the organist. The Services began on
Friday evening when the preacher was the Rev P
Martin of Happisburgh. Mr A Sheldrake read the
lessons. The collection was taken by Mrs S Hall
and Mr R Fulcher. The Services continued on Sunday
morning with children of the Sunday School and
choir with their teachers and leaders singing and
giving readings. Tracy Nicholson and Rachel Savage
played guitars. The lessons were read by Mrs L
Savage and Mrs S Hall. The church had been
beautifully decorated by women of the Flower Guild
and Sunday School leaders and helpers. The Harvest
Gifts went to Sydney House, Stalham and the Sunday
School gifts to the children’s home at Winterton.
The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club
was held on Thursday in the Church Room with Mrs
Alexander presiding. Members enjoyed various games
after which tea was served by helpers.
The annual meeting of the Women’s Section of the
Royal British Legion was held in the Methodist
Schoolroom on Wednesday with Mrs C Day presiding.
Mrs J McGuire, secretary presented the report.
Election of Officers were: President, Mrs H
Burton. Chairman -Mrs C Day. Vice president – Mrs
S O’Gorman. Treasurer – Mrs V Wright. Secretary –
Mrs J McGuire. Tea hostesses – Mrs W Forster and
Mrs D Hunt. The Trading Stall realised £10. 30p
for branch funds.
The financial problems of the village hall were
again a major talking point at the October meeting
of the Ludham Parish Council. A long letter from
the chairman of the village hall committee
outlining the present financial position and
placing it on historical perspective. Further
evidence was produced of charge for playing fields
in neighbouring villages. It was felt that there
could be no direct response to the request of the
football club for a subsidy until the whole matter
had been cleared up with the village hall
committee. A meeting is being arranged between the
chairman, vice chairman and clerk of the council
and the officer of the village hall to study the
who;le situation.
It was announced that there will be a firework
evening at the village hall on Saturday November
2nd.
There was some concern at the recent vandalism at
the Yarmouth Road bus shelter. It was reported
that that cleaning and repairs and decoration of
the shelter has been almost completed when the new
paintwork was damaged and disfigured. It was again
agreed to look at a suggestion made by P C Windley
some time ago that some of the boys and young men
of the village be got together with a view to them
doing some of the decoration work themselves.
Over 700 signatures have been collected on a
petition asking for a speed limit in the village.
This will be sent to the County Highways Authority
and the District Council and the local MP will be
kept informed.
A message from the Association of Local Councils
pointed out that Barclays Bank have now agreed to
withdraw their proposal to make a charge for the
return of cancelled cheques. This was welcomed as
the district auditors insist on seeing such
cancelled cheques.
The Council agreed to re-invest £1,200 of the
reserve funds in Norwich City bonds for three
years at 10.25 %
It was reported that Mrs Betty Pettit was about to
retire after more than 30 years of service as
health visitor, district nurse and midwife in
Ludham and the surrounding areas. A farewell party
is being arranged in the Ludham Church Room on
Wednesday December 4th at 7.30pm.
There was a large attendance at St Catherine’s
Church on Sunday morning October 20th for the
family service which was conducted by the Rev G
Nicholson. Mr J Savage was organist. It was
attended by the 23rd Rotherham Scots on holiday on
the broads, also the local Cubs and Girl Guides
and Brownies
Each carrying their Banners. Children of St
Catherine’s Church Sunday School and Ludham Girl
Guides contributed items and the lessons were read
by Kim Nicholson and Catherine Gardinier. The
collection was taken by Sarah Billington, Linda
Savage and Mr R Fulcher. During the service there
was a baptism, the infant SON OF Mr and Mrs A
Nichols of Norwich Road Ludham who was named
Andrew Sam Nichols.
We have lost another well-known parishioner.
Arthur Gower our former butcher died after a
series of illnesses. He started work as a
butcher’s boy with Mr E Hall and previous to that
was in the employment of Mr W England 1932, both
of Ludham. He was well known as a sportsman and
footballer in his youth and an active member of
the Parish Council. Always agreeable he will b e
missed as a local figure.
The October meeting of the Mothers Union was held
on Wednesday in the Church Room and was conducted
by the Rev G Nicholson. After the business members
enjoyed a demonstration of arranging church
flowers given by Mrs Glaister who was thanked by
Mrs R Fulcher. Tea hostesses were Mrs C Day and
Mrs Alexander.
A jumble sale held in the Church Room on 26th
October was organised by members of the Ludham
Wives Group. The £71. 73p raised will go to the
two charities nominated – The Victim Support
Scheme and the Elizabeth Fitzroy Home.
November 1985
By November the weather had cooled off with frosts
and very high winds which brought the leaves off
the trees and shrivelled the garden plants, quite
a contrast to the last months of sunshine and
warmth.
A firework party with refreshments was held at the
village hall on November 2nd, a calm night when
the crowd watched a display of £250 worth of
fireworks.
This was followed by a letter to the Mercury as
follows. Firework Fraud. On Saturday November 2nd
a few public-spirited people gave up several hours
and their time and put in a great deal of effort
into staging a firework display at Ludham village,
followed by hotdogs and soup in the village
hall. This was an established custom over
several years and it is much appreciated by most
of the spectators who seem quite prepared to pay
£1.25p for the pleasure and food provided. Any
profit (and it is not a lot) goes to the village
hall funds. This year’s fun and entertainment,
however, was marred by an incident I would not
have thought anyone would have been mean enough to
perpetrate. When the food was served up it was
found towards the end of the service that supplies
had run short though there were many more people
to serve. There were more tickets than had been
sold and investigation showed a number of
forgeries, the original having been photocopied on
one copier and the forgeries on another. A member
of the public commented that she had heard some
youths boasting that they “weren’t paying for
this”. I trust that the persons responsible are
thoroughly proud of themselves. Not only have they
stolen food from the helpers who didn’t get a meal
but they deprived the village hall and their
neighbours od about £10. A despicable trick and I
can only hope that this ill-gotten supper proved
to be thoroughly indigestible. J Wythes Fairview
Norwich Road Ludham.
For the past few weeks Ludham has been a victim of
gangs of youths stealing petrol from cars,
defacing newly decorated bus shelter, breaking
paving slabs, riding without lights and making
themselves a nuisance. Extra lighting has been
provided by Throwers grocers and the Kings Arms to
light up the trouble spots.
The Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion
held a jumble sale in the Church Room on Saturday
November 2nd. It was organised by the Poppy Appeal
organiser Mrs C Day and helpers. The sum of £140
was raised for the Earl Haig Fund.
The Ludham Wives group meeting was held in the
Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs Dora Crowden
presiding. It was well attended. A pottery party
was given by Cynthia Bowler who was thanked by Mrs
Crowden. Fifteen members travelled to Yarmouth
Police Station where they experienced some of the
hard work and skill required to enforce the law in
a busy seaside town.
The Royal British Legion Remembrance Sunday
service was held at St Catherine’s Church
conducted by The Rev G Nicholson on November 10th.
Mr J Savage was organist. Two minutes silence was
observed before the service started. The Methodist
Circuit Minister the Rev B Yelland gave the
address. The lesson was read by Mr T Roots branch
chairman. Mr R Fulcher gave the exhortation.
Standard bearers were Mrs V Wright and Mr C
England. At the War memorial after the service Mrs
D Barnard and Mr J Gravenell laid the Poppy
wreaths. Last post was sounded by Mr Frank Neville
of Horstead.
A jumble sale was held in the Church Room on
Saturday 16th November and raised £60 for the
Toddler Group.
The monthly branch meeting of the Women’s Section
of the Royal British Legion was held on Wednesday
in the Methodist School room with Mrs C Day
presiding. Members enjoyed a humorous talk given
by Mrs J Boothway of Red Roof Farm who was thanked
by Mrs M Fulcher.
The Women’s Institute held their Golden Jubilee
celebrations on November 20th in the Church Room
and Mrs J Mitchell the retiring president welcomed
guests and members who came to celebrate the 50th
birthday. Amongst the guests were W I County
Chairman Mrs E Poroune (?), Mrs A Juby, County
Secretary and Mrs J Hood, lately retired County
Chairman. Former Ludham residents Mrs J
Farrington, MISs V Parsons, Mrs K Sloper and Mrs J
Wilson who travelled from London to attend the
celebrations. It was regretted that Mrs B Hull was
unable to attend. Mrs Pegg was the only founder
member able to be present. Some 59 women opened
the meeting by singing Jerusalem and with a glass
of sherry drank a toast proposed by Mrs Poroune to
the continuance of the Ludham WI. Mrs Poroune
thanked us for the invitation and extended her
good wishes for future success. Mrs Hood
gave a resume of the 1935 programme, which proved
that nothing really changed except the price of
xxxxx? Miss V Parsons president for 15 years
entertained with amusing incidents which beset
presidents in office. Two guiders, Mrs W Baker and
Mrs C Firman served tea which included a Golden
Anniversary cake made and beautifully decorated by
Mrs J Elphick. Afterwards as a good deed the
guiders did all the kitchen chores. The table
posies were arranged by Mrs G Crocker, Mrs D
Fuller and Mrs N Littleworth. Flowers for
decoration of the room and top table were the
inspiration of Mrs M Morris, Mrs Chiddick and Mrs
M Richie. Everyone received a glass posy vase as a
memento of the happy occasion and a lucky ticket
gave Mrs F Griffiths a ceramic cake dish given by
a friend of Ludham WI. Also given was a golden
gavel for use at meetings when noise became to
loud for comfort. An exhibition had been mounted
depicting the journey through the last 50 years,
with documents, old programmes, photographs and WI
memorabilia together with an illuminated roll of
presidents from 1935 to 1985. Mrs Juby thanked the
Ludham WI and Mrs E Bond, the newly elected
president thanked Mrs J Michell for her sterling
work over the last three years.
A jumble sale held in the Church Room on November
23rd raised £109 for Ludham First School Funds.
Competition winners were, Brendan Murray, Mrs
Nicholls, Richard Clark, Mrs Roots, Mrs Brooks,
Mrs Willoughby and Mrs Clark, Mrs Knox and Emma
Brown.
Tea hostesses at the Women’s Section of the Royal
British Legion meeting were Mrs E Carter and Mrs D
Lloyd. The trading stall made £9.30p for funds.
The overall total for the Poppy Day Appeal was
£416. 44p for the Earl Haig Fund.
The fortnightly meeting of the Ludham Wives Group
was held on Thursday November 14th in the
Methodist School room with Mrs M Brown presiding.
A talk and demonstration were given by Mrs
Cochrane on Christmas decorations. She was thanked
by Mrs B Gowing.
A jumble sale was held in the Church Room on
November 16th and raised £65 for the Toddler
Group.
The monthly branch meeting of the Women’s Section
of the Royal British Legion was held in the
Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs C Day presiding.
Members enjoyed a humorous talk given by Mrs J
Boothway, of the Red Roof Farm who was thanked by
Mrs M Fulcher.
Members of the Ludham Village Hall management
committee heard that forged tickets had been used
to get food at the village hall display. The
committee members heard that at the fireworks
display held on 2nd Nov ember several forged
tickets were presented at the hot meal following
the display, causing the food to run short. At
this [point several young people came forward and
admitted to the forgeries. They apologised for
their actions. The chairman saw that the actions
of cleaning up litter from the playing field for
some days as a form of recompense. They also
volunteered their assistance at any fund-raising
activities to be held in the future. In the
view of the majority of the committee their
actions in coming forward to take the blame and
their behaviour since was sufficient to incline
the committee to take no further action.
Other matters discussed at the meeting included
the setting up of a fund-raising sub-committee,
following the remarks made by the Parish Council.
Seven members agreed to form such a committee and
a chairman would be elected at their first
meeting.
The representatives of the Ludham Football
Club, the St Benet’s Players and the Snooker Club
stated that if the savage increase in rents
proposed by the committee are to be demanded, it
is doubtful that these organisations can carry on.
Their demise would deprive the hall of a very
large proportion of its income as these are all
regular on a yearly basis.
The committee was informed that someone was
interested in hiring the hall in order to present
weekly cinema shows, and it was decided that the
secretary should write and confirm the committee’s
interest and offering the use of the hall on
Thursday nights at a provisional fee of £6 per
night to be reviewed later.
The committee also heard that the Parish Council
had expressed regret at the collapse of the 100
Club due to lack of collectors. Mr Smith offered
to revive the club if members would pay yearly in
advance to abdicate the need for regular
collections. Several people present agreed to this
and Mr Smith collected names and proposed to write
to former members about the proposal.
November weather changed to wind, sleet and snow
in the middle of the month, icy patches and fog
but it did not last much to everybody’s relief and
turned milder again.
We had a lot of deaths this year and also lost our
former vicar Rev Fred Smith who was here for
almost 26years until his retirement when he and
housekeeper Miss B Horton went to live at Trendall
Road Sprowston.
Our present vicar Rev Nicholson wrote in the
December Parish magazine the following,
“Parishioners will doubtless have learned from the
press or been told of the death of the former
Vicar Rev Fred Smith. He was vicar here for over
25 years a fact of which he was very proud. He
also continued to take an interest in Ludham after
his retirement to Sprowston and loyally kept in
touch with friends. We extend our sympathy to his
family, and his housekeeper, Miss Blanche Horton
and assure them of our sympathy and prayers”.
There will be a memorial service at St Catherine’s
Church on December 10th to enable parishioners to
pay tribute.
St Benet’s Players will perform Pussy Cat, Pussy
Cat at the Ludham Village Hall the last week of
November and first week of December. All the music
and lyrics with the exception of two nursery
rhymes used in the production are original written
by Maureen Newland and pianist Dorothy Leyton.
Tickets are £1.25p adults and 75p children and
OAPs.
More vandalism has occurred in Ludham, the Parish
Council learned at its November meeting. And it is
appealing to parents to keep young people off the
streets at night in a bid to prevent any nuisance.
There was further discussion on vandalism in the
village following more reports of damage on and
around Bakers Arms Green. The bus timetable cover
had been broken, the rubbish bin smashed and its
concrete stand dislodged, paving stones on the
green had been uprooted and broken and there was
more graffiti on the newly decorated bus shelter
walls. PC Windley, the Parish liaison officer
attended the meeting and asked the council to make
the bus shelter and surroundings as vandal proof
as possible. He also suggested an appeal to
parents and other villagers in the hope of keeping
young people off the streets at night. The Council
appealed to the public to pass on the information
and this request to parents. It also requested
that all villagers to report acts of vandalism
immediately to the police with names of suspected
culprits if at all possible. As some of the
culprits were thought to be still in school, the
clerk will write to the Headmaster of Stalham High
School asking for his collaboration.
The clerk reported that the problem of house
numbers in the High Street had now been amicably
cleared up. Two cottages had now been given
distinctive names and West Terrace now had its own
street sign and will keep its own house numbers.
A report was submitted by a joint Committee of the
Council and the village outlining proposals for
the improvement 0f the financial situation of the
village hall. Increases for the use of the hall
had been recommended but the committee urges that
in no case should the increases be mad e
retrospectively.
A revival of the old 100 Club, a valuable source
of income was strongly urged. Other suggestions
involved the advertising of the Football pitch for
letting on Saturdays and an increase in the
Snooker Club with greater use of the snooker room.
The Council agreed to look at estimates for work
on the sanitary and heating facilities and the
electrical wiring and to consider at a later
meeting what might be done to help the village
hall committee in these matters. The whole report
will be passed onto the village hall committee for
urgent consideration and action.
Some time ago a Suffolk company was given
permission to make miniatures of the very
distinctive village sign. It was reported that
these are now available and one will be presented
to the Council. They will be on sale in the
village.
The council nominated Mr John Youngs and the Rev
George Nicholson for the forthcoming elections for
the Governors of the Stalham Middle School.
A gift of £20 will be sent to the Imperial Cancer
Fund.
Thanks, were expressed to Mr K Dyball who has
offered to be responsible for keeping Womack
Staithe and village streets tidy during the winter
on a voluntary basis.
In the public amenities committee, the clerk
reported that during the season some 3229
visitors’ boats had used Womack Staithe overnight
as against 3090 last year, fees collected were
£1614.50p against £1545. In addition,
contributions from visitors in the Womack box
amounted to £249. 64p.
Another record was the sale of 273 copies of the
newly printed “Seven Walks in Ludham”
The council paid a standing tribute to the memory
of Arthur Gower, a long-standing member of the
council who died recently after a long illness.
The Mothers Union meeting was held in the Church
Room and was conducted by the Rev G Nicholson.
Owing to the wintry weather the attendance was
smaller than usual, Mrs M Fulcher welcomed Mrs S
Fox who spoke on the Mothers Union “Founded in
prayer”. She was thanked by Mrs D Barnard. Mrs
Fulcher suggested a few minutes silence to
remember the previous vicar the Rev F Smith who
had died in Norwich. Members remembered how he
conducted the Mothers Union meetings for the 26
years he was in Ludham and always showed great
interest in the work of the movement. Mrs Barnard
was at the trading stall which made £1.75p for
branch funds. Mrs Sayer and Mrs O’Gorman were the
tea hostesses.
The Christmas Fair was held in the church room on
November 30th and raised £290 for the
Forget-Me-Not Club funds.
The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held in the
Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs Laily presiding. She
introduced the speaker Mrs Boothway who gave a
talk on being a landlady in a boarding house. She
was thanked by Mrs K Laily. the next meeting is on
Thursday when the Broadland Bells play a selection
of Christmas music.
A coffee evening with a Bring and Buy stall was
held on Monday evening in the church room,
organised by members of the Girl Guides. The sum
of £72. 45p was raised for the xxxxx House
Hospice.
December 1985
There was a large congregation in St Catherine’s
Church on Sunday December 1st for a Christingle
service conducted by the Rev G Nicholson. Mr J
Savage was organist. Tracy Nicholson read a
lesson. Members and Friends of St Catherine’s
Church Sunday School presented over 50 envelopes-
the result of their work in sponsoring the event –
to Mr J Savage. This amounted to £63.28p. Mr K
Walker presented the orange Christingles to the
children. The collection of £22.25p was taken by
Mr R Fulcher and Mrs L Savage and was for the
Church of England’s Children’s Home. Making a
collection of £85.53p.
A Christmas coffee morning was held in the church
room on 4th December. It was organised by members
of the Church Council of St Catherine’s. The sum
of £147 was raised.
Some 25 pupils from the Ludham School of Dancing
recently took their Royal Academy of Dancing
ballet examinations and all 25 were successful in
passing the following grades. Primary: Kerry
Lagden, Gemma Beck, Heather Goddard, Naomi
Abigail, Katherine Turner, Liza Postle, Alexandra
Dedman. Grade 1: Emma Parsons, Hannah Brooks.
Grade 2: Laura Beck, Melonie Kay, Sarah Bates,
Charlotte Falkus, Sheena Porteous and Erica
Carrier. Grade 3: Gemma Bowen, Susan High, Dawn
Dawson, Sarah Turner, Nicola Hubbard, Jocelyn
Miles, Sarah Dobson. Grade 4: Hannah Scott,
Elizabeth Woodhouse, Tracy Betts. The school which
is run by Mrs M A Newland takes children from
31/2 upwards. Any age up to 12 is suitable
to start. Anyone wanting information should
contact Mrs M A Newland on St Benet’s 245
Letter in the Yarmouth mercury December 13th 1985.
It is a coincidence that two village halls are
mentioned in the mercury (Nov 29). I note that
Hopton village hall is in a very poor state, due
to under use and that Ludham village hall is in
need of ‘improvements in the financial situation’.
I have letter of events which led to the demise of
Hopton’s community property, but I fear that
Ludham is in danger of going in the same
direction. Up until a few years ago the hall was
in use every night of the week except Sunday for
most of the year. There was a thriving Youth Club,
meetings on Fridays, two badminton evenings, a
judo club, the St Benet’s Players on Wednesdays
and a meeting of the Girl Guides and Brownies
association on Mondays, a whole lot of private
lettings for birthdays, dances, whist drives and
bingo. Fetes were held each year and brought in a
large contribution to expenses enabling rents to
be kept at a level which could be afforded by
everyone. The 100 Club was another regular source
of income and the bank balance was healthy enough
to be able to carry out (with the help of the
Parish Council and North Norfolk District Council
grants) many needed improvements to the hall, like
a new roof to replace the leaking one, new
flooring in the main hall etc. Also, some of the
regular users of the hall made donations of
curtains, carpeting and repairs and most
important, labour. The situation has now changed
completely. The present committee, as reported in
the Mercury can see no other way of financially
solving than raising rents by in some cases 100%,
I can assume the action will not result in 100%
greater income but in an actual decrease as anyone
who has been in the service industry could
confirm. The 100-club folded because some
collectors felt that the money, they spent so much
time and effort in collecting was being spent
unwisely in proposed extensions unsuitable to the
village needs. I don’t know why the Judo Club
left, but the Youth Club was closed for lack of
interested supervisors. Private lettings suffered
from the huge increase in rents plus lack of
amenities. The only organisation which has
increased its membership is the one which has
suffered no rise in rent, the Playgroup, which
indicates that higher charges bring in less income
than reasonable ones. No one denies that there
must be some increase and most organisations
offered an increase based on inflation which were
derided by the committee. As reported, three
regular users of the hall which between them
brings in a large proportion of the income, are
thinking in terms of either closing down or
finding other premises. It would be sad to see
this happen and the hall degenerates to the same
position as Hopton but unless something other than
massive increases in rents is found it will.
Apparently Hopton’s solution is to sell the hall
and land for development and does Ludham want
this? In any case the land was given not to the
village hall committee or to the Parish Council
but to the villagers by Mr W Wright to be used for
the leisure activities and no person or group of
persons should be allowed to even consider any
other use. There has already been one attempt to
sell off village hall land for development a few
years ago and the perpetrators came unstuck on
this point. - T Wythes Fairview Norwich Road
Ludham
Saturday evening attracted an almost full audience
at Ludham Village Hall for the final nights of St
Benet’s Players pantomime “Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat”
The show written by Maureen Newland contrived to
connect two well-known nursery rhymes. Pussy Cat
where have you been and the old woman who lived in
a shoe. Incidental music was contributed by
Dorothy Leyton. The show got off to a somewhat
slow start and would have done well to have had a
punchy opening chorus. All praise to Mary Haynes
who played Dame Maud Spankum and to Dora Crowden
who played Keronica Fiddy Foddy for the constant
injections of life and spontaneity. The
latter, a character unable to hold down a steady
job brought strong visual impact throughout the
show and should be complimented for her variety of
costumes which changed with her fad of the moment.
The second act proved far livelier and more
incorporated the obligatory song sheet number with
Buttercup the cow and the all- too- familiar
haunted bedroom scene involving plenty of audience
participation. All the traditional pantomime
characteristics held the somewhat tenuous story
line together culminating in the car being
transformed into a prince on the kiss of a
beautiful princess. Others in the cast were Arthur
Browne who made a somewhat bizarre fairy, whose
limp wand certainly lacked that little bit of
magic. Hazel Brook, a very regal and warm queen,
and Rachael Godfrey who played the mouse,
enchanting the audience with a delightful tap
routine and the rest of the cast performed well.
Backstage should be complimented for the sets,
especially for the splendid cut out shoe house.
The players are striving to survive and would
welcome any new members to join them on Wednesday
evenings at Ludham Village Hall. The society
though amateur always brings an air of
professionalism to their productions and would be
a great loss to the area.
A reply letter appeared in the Yarmouth Mercury on
20.12.85
The officers of the Ludham Village Hall Committee
would like to thank Mr J Wythes for putting into
print – Mercury’s Dec 13th – the rumour heard
concerning the present predicament of the hall,
thus enabling them to report the facts. Mr Wythes
writes that he knows little of the event leading
to the disuse of Hopton’s village hall. It is
obvious that he also knows little concerning
Ludham Village Hall. For his information and for
any others who may be interested, the Youth Club
was disbanded, not due to lack of interested
supervisors, a remark which at best is distasteful
– but due to lack of interest from the youth of
the village. The final straw came with the last of
a series of break-ins when the youth club records
and ‘tuck’ were stolen. An interesting fact is
that the other youth organisations have also
closed and these clubs used the school where fees
to youth organisations are minimal. The Judo Club
has moved to Horning because of inadequate heating
at Ludham and because most of the members live at
Horning. Regarding the 100 club- hopefully the
club will restart if enough members support it
with annual contributions.
With reference to increases in contributions may
we point out that there have been no increases for
the past 4 years. Mr Wythes is correct in that the
playgroup have not had their contributions
increased. It was decided some time ago that they
should pay a concessionary rate of 20p per child
per session. As it happens their numbers are high
at present so their contribution is greater than
any other user of the hall. The committee also
felt that the playgroup also provided service to
the community, whereas the majority of other users
are pursuing recreational interests.
Of the three regular users of the hall quotes by
Mr Wythes, the snooker club contribution has been
increased from £100 to £400 p.a. A massive
increase until one considers that this is the only
organisation which has exclusive use of the
snooker hall all day long throughout most of the
year. It works out at 35p per week for 25 members.
Quite reasonable if one considers the exclusive
use of such facilities. The football club
have been asked for a 100% increase from £87.50 to
£175 pa. They are the only club using the field
and the committee consider it unfair for other
users to subsidise the field maintenance which
costs at present £173 pa. It has been suggested
that the field be advertised for use on Saturdays
which would relieve their contributions. St
Benet’s Players – where Mr Wythes interest must
lie have had a contribution increase from £112.50p
to £180 pa or to put it another way £3.50 per
evening. Even if there were only ten members this
works to 35p each. Other expenses would surely
come from ticket sales.
Perhaps the organisations in financial
difficulties could increase their membership or
hold fund raising events as most other clubs have
to do. For the majority of organisations in
financial difficulties could increase their
membership or hold fund raising events as other
clubs have to do. For the majority of
organisations holding one jumble sale would more
than recoup the interest in their contribution.
To clarify another misguided concept, Mr Wright
gave one acre of land as a site for the hall and
sold to the village another two and a half acres
for a sports field. The money to build the hall
was raised by fetes etc. Ludham Village Hall
belongs to the village. It is in its present state
through lack of support. Mr Wythes has to our
knowledge attended only one or two committee
meetings in the past few years. Since he shows
such an interest perhaps, he would like to become
a co-opted member, he would be most welcome, and
would no doubt have corrected facts to report
another time.
Ludham village hall has many detractors and few
supporters. The present officers volunteered only
when no others came forward. It will be
interesting to see if any nominations are put
forward in March, our AGM. If people do not like
the way things are run the answer is in their own
hands: it is always easy to criticise.
In conclusion, may we point out that all
propositions, including these increases are voted
on by a team leader of representatives from
organisations in the village. The increases were
sanctioned by a majority voting. Three cheers for
democracy.
L. W. Carter
Chairman Ludham Village Hall Committee. 30 Willow
Way Ludham.
There was a memorial service held in St
Catherine’s Church on December 10th for the late
Rev. F H Smith former vicar of Ludham for 26
years. It was well attended with the service
conducted by Rev G Nicholson. Mrs V Parsons was
organist. The address was given by the Rural Dean
the Rev. D G Blyth, who spoke on Mr Smith’s loyal
work and devotion.
The monthly branch meeting of the Women’s section
of the Royal British Legion was held in the
Methodist School room, with Mrs C Day presiding.
Mrs S O’Gorman gave the delegates report on the
County Conference following the business. Members
enjoyed a Christmas Tea and Mrs E Bacon played the
piano for carol singing and a vote of thanks was
given by Mrs Day. The trading stall realised
£9.27p for branch funds.
St Catherine’s Church was full for the Nativity
Play and service on Sunday week Dec ember 15th and
was conducted by The Rev G Nicholson. Mr J Savage
was organist. The play was presented by children
of St Catherine’s choir and Sunday School, trained
by teachers and helpers. Claire Lincoln (?) played
the organ before and during the service. Guitar
players were Jill Tennant and Tracy Nicholson. The
collection was taken by Mr D Norton and Mr R
Fulcher for Sun day School Funds.
Over a hundred people attended the service of nine
lessons and carols held at St Catherine’s Church
on the Sunday evening before Christmas. It was
conducted by the Rev G Nicholson. Mr J Savage was
organist and the choir sang many carols and items
and processed with lighted candles through the
decorated church.
W.I. At the December Christmas Tea on 18th Mrs E
Bond the president welcomed 31 members and eight
visitors to partake in the enjoyment. Mrs O Mason
gave a reading from Dickens. Gifts were presented
to Mrs J Mitchell the retiring president and to
Mrs P Wright for undertaking the making of the
Golden Jubilee tablecloth. Also, to Mrs J Elphick
for her biscuits made for each meeting. Vouchers
were also given to two husbands for auditing the
accounts and printing the posters. During tea
supplied and served by the committee Christmas
cards were distributed. In a competition Mrs B
Sayer won with the prettiest cup and saucer and
Mrs B Gowing drew the lucky ticket and won a
coffee making outfit. The trading stall made
£7.60p. Thirty-two members gathered for Christmas
lunch at the Cringle Potter Heigham. Mrs Bond said
Grace and members then enjoyed the Christmas fun.
A fitting occasion to end a Golden Jubilee Year.
The Christmas party for the Forget-Me-Not Club was
held in the Church Room on December 19th with Mrs
Alexander and Mrs C Day and helpers providing and
serving an ample Christmas Tea. They were
entertained by a group of five ladies and one
gentleman, the pianist was Mrs B Gowing.
Once again vandalism and the financial problem of
the village hall provided the main discussion
subject at the December meeting of the Ludham
Parish Council. In a reply to a call for help with
vandalism from the Parish Council, the Headmaster
of Stalham High School offered all possible help
within his limited powers. Mr Roy Turly pointed
out that the problem of vandalism spread far
beyond local village boundaries and was indeed
county and nationwide. Although most parents were
cooperative, well in control of young people, in
the minority of cases he was fighting a losing
battle against parental indifference. Further acts
of vandalism in the village were reported to the
council. In particular repair work on paving slabs
on Bakers Arms Green was broken up within hours of
its completion. This was probably done at a time
when the council was actually sitting, but
surprise was expressed that no one ever seemed to
hear, see and report acts of vandalism of this
kind.
Further discussion on the village hall arose from
another letter from the Ludham Football Club
protesting against the 100% increase in the field
rent imposed by the Hall Committee. The consensus
of opinion was that, although the Parish Council
would help financially, self-help in fund raising
was the essential factor in maintaining a viable
village hall. There was an encouraging report that
a new fund-raising committee was in being and that
a number of ideas were being considered. The
football club representative expressed willingness
to help in the activity. The council will now ask
the village hall committee to consider the rent
increases taking into account the prospects of the
fund-raising committee and the promise of the
football club to cooperate.
In the meantime, the parish council will pay for
urgent plumbing and heating work at a cost of
around £240 if the work is done in the current
financial year. In view of possible further
village hall expenditure, it was decided that the
precept on the district council for 1986/7 should
be raised by 50% thus increasing the Ludham parish
to around 1.4p in the £.
A letter was received from Mrs Betty Pettit
thanking the council and all concerned for the
very successful party and presentation on her
retirement. It was announced that the gift from
Ludham Parish amounted to £150 and there were also
the gifts from Hickling, Catfield and Potter
Heigham.
During a brief discussion on speed limits a
further letter from the County surveyor pointed
out that the accident record in the village was so
good that there was no case for a speed limit to
be put to the Department of Transport. No further
action was possible in the immediate future.
As there had been no claim for an election to fill
the vacancy caused by the death of Mr Arthur
Gower, the vacancy will be filled by co-option by
the council at the January meeting.
The Ludham Playgroup was given permission to set
up a stall on Bakers Arms Green on Thursday June
5th.
The weather up to Christmas was good, some
sunshine and some cloudy days.
The Midnight Mass service was held at Potter
Heigham this year. Christmas morning service was
well attended and the collection taken by Mr R
Fulcher and Mrs B Gowing. The weather was mild and
wet. Later after Christmas snow and frost arrived,
about four inches of snow laid on the ground on
Sunday 29th December. Most of the village was laid
low with winter complaints of flu and feverish
colds.
Cuttings and Inclusions at the end of the 1985
Diary
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